Africa’s natural gas industry is approaching a critical investment cycle as multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas projects advance in Mozambique and Tanzania, Nigeria seeks to expand exports, and Senegal and Mauritania establish themselves as emerging suppliers.

The stakes are high for governments seeking foreign investment, energy companies chasing new markets and investors assessing long-term returns.

The opportunity rests on more than the continent’s vast gas reserves. Security threats, financing costs, infrastructure gaps and uncertain project timelines will determine which developments reach production and generate export revenue.

With global LNG demand shifting, Africa’s ability to deliver gas reliably will shape its competitiveness against established suppliers.

Mozambique’s LNG comeback

Mozambique is regaining investor attention after years of disruption to its gas ambitions. TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project, valued at more than $20 billion, resumed construction in January 2026 following a prolonged suspension linked to an insurgency in Cabo Delgado province.

The company is targeting first deliveries in 2029, although security and execution risks remain important considerations. ExxonMobil is advancing plans for the separate Rovuma LNG development, while Italy’s Eni is developing the Coral North floating LNG project offshore.

Coral North is targeting completion in 2028 and would build on the existing Coral South facility, which already exports gas. Together, the projects could expand Mozambique’s capacity to supply international markets.

Tanzania courts energy giants

Tanzania is pursuing a proposed $42 billion LNG development led by Equinor and Shell, with ExxonMobil, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi and state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. also involved.

The project is expected to unlock development of the country’s estimated 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, with production intended primarily for export.

The development’s scale makes financing, commercial agreements and government approvals decisive milestones. A final investment decision and subsequent construction would determine when Tanzania could begin exporting LNG at scale.

If completed, the project could establish a major new gas supply center in East Africa while creating demand for infrastructure, engineering and industrial services.

Nigeria targets additional exports

Nigeria, already a major African LNG supplier, is seeking to extract more value from its extensive gas resources.

UTM Offshore’s proposed $3 billion floating LNG project has secured a 15-year gas supply agreement with a joint venture involving Nigerian National Petroleum Co. and Seplat Energy, providing a commercial foundation for the planned development.

The facility is designed to produce 1.8 million metric tons of LNG annually, with a final investment decision targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Reaching that milestone would move the project closer to construction, but financing, execution and the ability to deliver reliable feedstock will remain central to its commercial prospects.

New exporters face market tests

Senegal and Mauritania have entered the LNG market through the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, adding two emerging suppliers to an industry dominated by established producers.

Sustaining exports and developing supporting infrastructure will be important as both countries seek to turn offshore gas production into government revenue, investment and broader economic activity.

For investors, the contest extends beyond the size of reserves or headline project valuations. Financing terms, security, construction schedules, gas supply agreements and access to buyers will determine which developments become commercially viable.

Africa’s gas export ambitions are substantial, but projects that control costs and deliver consistently will be best positioned to compete in global LNG markets.